Lead Service Lines in Pinellas County, Florida
Pinellas County Utilities serves about 506,000 residents across the county. If you're concerned about lead in your drinking water, here's what you need to know right now.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main buried under the street. Water travels through this pipe before it reaches your tap. Lead pipes can leach lead into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or hasn't sat in the pipes overnight.
What does Pinellas County Utilities know about lead service lines?
Pinellas County Utilities is required by the EPA to maintain an inventory of all lead service lines in their system. However, the utility has not yet made detailed inventory data publicly available on this platform. This doesn't mean lead service lines don't exist in the system—it means the data hasn't been submitted or shared in searchable form yet.
Your water utility is still responsible for:
- Identifying which homes have lead service lines
- Testing water for lead
- Replacing lead lines over time
- Providing you with accurate information about your property
How can you find out if your home has a lead service line?
The most direct way is to contact Pinellas County Utilities directly. Ask them:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- What was the result of the most recent water quality test at my home?
- Does the utility have a lead line replacement program?
You can also check your property deed or contact a licensed plumber to inspect the pipes visible in your basement or crawl space (though the service line itself is usually underground).
Protecting your family right now
While you're gathering information:
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster than cold water.
- Flush your taps for 30 seconds if water hasn't run for more than 6 hours.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, ask your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead testing. The CDC has resources on lead and children's health.
Next steps for residents
- Call Pinellas County Utilities customer service and ask about your property's service line status and whether lead testing is available.
- Request a copy of any lead testing results for your address.
- If you have young children, discuss lead exposure risk with your pediatrician.
- Check back with LeadPipeLookup as the utility updates its inventory data.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Pinellas County have lead in the water?
Lead enters water through lead service lines and fixtures, not from the source water itself. Pinellas County Utilities tests for lead, but detailed inventory data isn't yet available on this platform. Contact the utility directly to find out if your home is at risk.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call Pinellas County Utilities and give them your address. They can tell you whether your service line is lead, and they may offer water testing or a replacement program.
Is it safe to drink tap water if I have a lead service line?
It depends on your water's pH, temperature, and how long it sits in the pipes. Use cold water for drinking and cooking, and flush taps for 30 seconds if water hasn't run for several hours. If you're concerned about your family's health, talk to your doctor.
Will my water utility replace my lead service line?
Many utilities now offer or require lead line replacement, but programs vary. Contact Pinellas County Utilities to ask whether they have a replacement plan and what costs you might share.